“New Jerseyans suffer from the highest property tax burden in the nation,” said Bucco. “Sharing services cuts the cost of doing business for government, which translates into financial savings for New Jersey taxpayers. It’s a win-win for everybody.”Continue Reading…

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Say Governor Should Focus on Real Solutions to Lower the Cost of Government and Taxes – Not Gimmicks

Senate Republicans serving on the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee blasted a tax evasion scheme proposed by Governor Phil Murphy that fails to address the underlying problem of expensive government that drives high property taxes in New Jersey.

Senate Republicans on the Budget Committee blasted a tax evasion scheme proposed by Gov. Murphy that fails to address the underlying problem of expensive government in New Jersey. (SenateNJ.com)

“Governor Murphy’s plan to mask property tax payments as charitable contributions is a thinly veiled tax evasion scheme,” said Bucco (R-25), the Senate Republican Budget Officer. “Anyone who thinks the IRS won’t tear this plan apart is kidding themselves. New Jersey taxpayers need real solutions that won’t put them on the wrong side of the law.”

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Says an Investment in State’s Infrastructure is an Investment in the State’s Economy & Jobs

Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho (R-24) that will deliver $5.15 million in transportation infrastructure projects and construction jobs to Sussex County has passed the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

“Investing in our transportation infrastructure will improve the safety of our roadways and provide a lifeline to our local and state economy,” said Oroho. “Our success in restructuring the Transportation Trust Fund and reforming our state’s uncompetitive tax structure has provided the ability for us to now fund major infrastructure projects in our community. This $5.15 million investment from the TTF will allow us to move forward with local road safety and transportation projects without placing the burden on property taxpayers. This is a real win for families in District 24.”

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Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Kip Bateman (R-16) that’s focused on reducing the harmful effects of food waste through increased recycling has been approved by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.

The legislation calls for large generators of food waste to separate it from other forms of trash, providing the opportunity to prevent methane released into the atmosphere and fuel electricity production from a renewable form of energy.

“A single supermarket can generate tens of tons of food waste each year. Discarded food produces large amounts of methane gas when it decomposes in our landfills,” said Bateman. “Encouraging large companies to separate food and trash into different bins will reduce trash disposal costs, limit methane release, and provide an economic boost to cities with approved food waste facilities.”

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Legislation sponsored by Senator Kip Bateman (R-16) to encourage homeowners and businesses to continue investing in renewable energy systems was approved by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.

“New Jersey needs clean, safe, and affordable energy,” said Bateman. “The expansion of programs that support our goal of increasing green energy production can help to lower electric bills and protect our environment. Allowing more customers to take advantage of net metering will encourage New Jerseyans to continue installing renewable energy, such as solar power, by expanding opportunities to lower their utility bills.”

“I am deeply concerned about the federal budget proposal to reduce Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funding by $2.5 billion. From the air we breathe to the water we drink, the EPA has played a profound role in safeguarding public health and protecting our nation’s precious natural resources. As New Jersey Senator and proud protector of the environment, I am committed to ensuring that the public and environmental safety of the Garden State remains a priority.”

“A woman was gang-raped by three men Bergen County, while ‘incapacitated and physically helpless.’ This makes me sick to my stomach,” said Cardinale, the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “We need to do everything we can to protect and ensure justice for this helpless victim.”

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Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Essex, Morris and Passaic) warned that Governor Phil Murphy’s proposal to allow homeowners to contribute to municipal charitable funds as an alternative to making property tax payments likely will not be approved by the federal government.

Sen. Joe Pennacchio warned that Governor Murphy’s proposal to allow homeowners to contribute to municipal charitable funds as an alternative to making property tax payments likely will not be approved by the federal government. (SenateNJ.com)

“While I agree with the governor’s sentiment that we need to provide property tax relief to New Jerseyans, his charitable contribution scheme provides false hope rather than real solutions,” said Pennacchio. “I have no doubt that the Internal Revenue Service or Congress will strike down this concerted effort to evade federal taxes. We should focus on real solutions that actually lower the cost of government.”

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Coastal legislators Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf, and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove have requested to join as cosponsors on companion legislation A-839 and S-258 which would prohibit offshore drilling for oil or natural gas in State waters. The measure would also prohibit the leasing of tidal or submerged lands in State waters for the purposes of oil or natural gas exploration, development, or production.

Connors, Rumpf, and Gove are joining as co-sponsors of legislation which would prohibit offshore drilling for oil or natural gas in New Jersey waters. (Flickr)

Connors, Rumpf and Gove made the following remarks regarding their sponsorship action:

“As coastal legislators, our delegation has a longstanding record of vehemently opposing offshore drilling off our state’s coast. Safeguarding our state’s environment and economic viability should be the priority – not lining the pockets of corporate executives.

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Senator Anthony Bucco’s legislation helping families who have fallen on hard times to pay for their energy bills has passed the Senate Economic Growth Committee. The measure allows New Jersey taxpayers to make a donation to those facing financial hardship, assisting them in paying their gas and/or electric bills.

“This year’s brutal winter highlights the importance of helping families to keep their heat on,” said Senator Bucco (R-Morris and Somerset). “A basic necessity is being able to keep warm on frigid nights, especially for children and seniors who are most vulnerable. My legislation gives New Jerseyans the opportunity to donate to households in need, helping families to stay warm and safe in their homes.”Continue Reading…